How to Choose the Right Childcare Centre for Your Family
A parent’s guide to finding a nurturing, high-quality early learning centre in Adelaide
Choosing the right early learning centre is one of the most meaningful steps in your child’s early journey, and it’s natural for parents to feel a little overwhelmed by the decision. The first few years of childhood are filled with rapid growth, discovery and connection, so finding a nurturing environment that supports and adapts to each stage is key.
To make your decision a little easier, we spoke with Emali Early Learning Centre to create a simple guide for Adelaide parents, highlighting what to look for in a childcare centre so you can feel confident your little one is in caring and capable hands.
What to look for when you tour a childcare centre:
1. Warm and Safe Environments
First impressions count. When you walk into a centre, notice the atmosphere. Do the children seem happy and engaged? Are educators greeting families warmly? A genuine sense of connection between educators and children is one of the best indicators of a positive and safe environment.
2. Learning Through Play
The best early learning happens through purposeful play. Ask how the centre supports curiosity, creativity and emotional growth through its programs. Look for a curriculum guided by the Early Years Learning Framework that values both structured and child-led experiences.
3. Quality Facilities and Outdoor Spaces
Spaces should be designed with safety, exploration and imagination in mind. Natural materials, light-filled rooms and well-kept outdoor areas all contribute to a stimulating learning environment.
4. Nutrition and Daily Routines
Healthy meals and predictable routines help children feel secure. Ask how the centre approaches mealtimes, sleep schedules and transitions between activities, especially for babies and toddlers who thrive on consistency.
5. Educator Qualifications and Care
Great educators make all the difference. Ask about staff qualifications, ratios and how educators are supported in their ongoing training and development. High-quality care comes from teams who feel valued, are well equipped, supported and passionate about their work.
6. Smooth Transitions and Continuity
As your child grows, it’s ideal to have continuity in their learning environment. Centres that offer in-house pre-kindy and preschool programs led by qualified early childhood teachers help maintain routines and familiarity for children, making the transition to school smoother and less stressful for families.
Questions to Ask During a Centre Tour:
- How do educators support children’s emotional wellbeing?
- What does a typical day look like for each age group?
- How do you communicate with families about their child’s progress?
- How do you manage sleep, feeding and routines for babies?
- What kind of meals and snacks are provided?
- How do you celebrate different cultures and backgrounds?
- What is your approach to guiding behaviour or conflict between children?
- How do you prepare children for the transition to school?
Why Emali Might Be the Right Childcare Centre for Your Family
Emali Early Learning Centres are built on the belief that children thrive when they feel loved, respected and supported.
Locally owned and operated in South Australia, Emali has nine conveniently located metropolitan centres. Each centre is thoughtfully designed to feel warm and home-like, with nurturing baby rooms and inspiring preschool spaces, natural play environments that encourage creativity, and nutritious meals prepared by in-house chefs to fuel busy little bodies.
Emali’s holistic programs are guided by qualified early childhood teachers and educators and align with the Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on emotional wellbeing, creativity and confidence. From infancy through to preschool, children enjoy consistency, care and connection, giving families peace of mind that their child’s early learning journey is in nurturing hands.
Welcome to a world of imagination — Emali Early Learning Centre
Childcare is available from six weeks to preschool
See your children grow with:
- Safe and nurturing environments
- Highly trained teachers and educators
- Inspiring indoor and outdoor learning spaces
- A school-ready preschool program
- An engaging curriculum with free excursions and events
- Fully inclusive extra-curricular programs
- Nutritious meals using local produce
- Emali is proudly South Australian owned and operated
With locations at Brighton, Broadview, Campbelltown, Findon, Littlehampton, Morphett Vale, Prospect, Salisbury, Underdale and North Plympton (coming soon), book a centre tour, visit emali.com.au.
For more information: families are invited to secure a place for their child by enquiring at emali.com.au.
